Kootenai Falls makes one heck of a spot for an anniversary photoshoot, especially when you’re celebrating 50 years together!
The area is a popular spot for nature lovers, with massive waterfalls, forested trails, and even a little adrenaline rush on the famous Swinging Bridge. The easy hike and big views made it the perfect location for Kim and Mark, high school sweethearts celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a weekend in Libby, MT.
Like so many couples, they hadn’t had professional photos together since their wedding day!! So we changed that with some anniversary photos while exploring sights along the Kootenai River.
If that sounds like something you’d love to do for your own anniversary trip, keep reading for a peek from their day, what to know about visiting Kootenai Falls, and a few more Montana anniversary ideas if you’re still deciding where to celebrate.
Why Kootenai Falls Makes Such a Fun Anniversary Trip
About Kootenai Falls, Montana
Located in Kootenai National Forest, Kootenai Falls is the largest undammed waterfall in Montana! The Kootenai River rushes through a narrow canyon in this area, creating impressive falls and riverbanks to explore. You might spot some bighorn sheep, black bears, or a bald eagle if you’re lucky!
Beyond its natural beauty, Kootenai Falls is considered a sacred place to the Kootenai people, who have been important advocates for its preservation both culturally and ecologically. You can learn more about their efforts here!
If you’re a couple who loves the outdoors while learning about the history and culture of the land you’re on, I think Kootenai Falls will be a hit! Make sure to stop and read the informational signs along the trail, and, as always, Leave No Trace while you’re visiting.
Getting to Kootenai Falls, Montana
Kootenai Falls is an easy drive along U.S. Route 2, just between Libby and Troy, MT with a marked parking area around Mile Marker 21. And the views are just as easy to access! While there are plenty of hikes around for backcountry enthusiasts, many of the super scenic spots are just a short walk from parking. Kootenai Falls is no different!
While you do have to hike to reach the falls, it’s relatively short – about 1.5 miles round trip! The trail is paved at the beginning but gets rockier and more uneven as you head toward the river. Along the way, you’ll cross over the railroad tracks before the trail splits: one direction takes you toward the falls, while the other leads to the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge.
Obviously, you’ve got to do both! It gives you enough hiking and exploring to feel like you had an adventure together without spending long days on a trail, which leaves you plenty of time for a photoshoot before heading off for other anniversary trip plans!
Other Things to Do Near Kootenai Falls for Your Anniversary Trip
The Libby and Troy area has plenty of ways to turn Kootenai Falls into a full anniversary getaway! Here are some ideas to add to your itinerary:
- Ross Creek Cedar Grove: Hike through giant red cedars that reach up to 175 feet tall.
- Libby Creek Gold Panning Area: About 45 minutes from Libby, you can go panning for gold and keep what you find!
- Kootenai River Fishing: Spend a few hours trout fishing or book a guided float tour.
- Lake Koocanusa: Head just north of Libby to go boating, swimming, fishing, or drive a bit of the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway.
- Yaak Falls: Add another waterfall photoshoot stop to your adventure, just 30 minutes north!
- The Heritage Museum in Libby, MT: Learn more about the area’s logging, mining, and local history.
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness: If you’re an avid hiker, this area has endless trails for your to explore.
In this part of Montana, you can make your anniversary trip as adventurous or laid-back as you want!
Kim and Mark’s 50th Anniversary Photoshoot at Kootenai Falls, MT
Kim and Mark traveled to the Libby area for the weekend to celebrate 50 years married and booked me for an anniversary photoshoot to celebrate it. These two are high school sweethearts who met when they were just 16, and hadn’t had a photoshoot together since their wedding day!
We started at Kootenai Falls, where they were both completely blown away by the water and scenery. After about 20–30 minutes, we headed back up the trail toward the Swinging Bridge. I’ll admit, heights make me a little nervous, so there were definitely a few squeals from me on the way across.
It was HOT that day! It was late July and around 95 degrees when we started (and still in the 80s by the time we got back to the car!) There was some wildfire haze, which unfortunately is common at that time of year in Montana, so the trail was quieter than usual. We only saw around eight other people during the whole session, which was a nice surprise because this area can get pretty busy during the day!
At one point, I asked them what the secret is to making a marriage last 50 years. Mark said, “You love them when they change.”
Which I’ve been thinking about since, and it’s become an idea I really love. Because we really do keep changing throughout our adult lives. And after 50 years together, how special is it that you get to love all the different versions of each other along the way? I feel honored that I got to capture this version of their life together!
Here’s what they had to say about our ANNIVERSAY photoshoot:
“Jennifer was amazing to work with. From the very beginning she was so helpful with planning and giving lots of suggestions which really helped make our Kootenai Falls photoshoot so memorable. We has the best time and it wasn’t stressful at all. Every picture was beautiful! Mark and I highly recommend her!”
If you’re heading to Montana to celebrate an anniversary or milestone, why not book a photoshoot to remember it by?! Tell me where you’re going, what plans you’ve got in mind, and we’ll build a session around it!
→ Reach out about your anniversary shoot or couples session!
Things to Know About a Kootenai Falls Photoshoot
Where should we stay for an anniversary trip near Kootenai Falls?
Kim and Mark stayed in Libby, Montana, which is about 7 miles (10–15 minutes) from Kootenai Falls. It makes a great home base for an anniversary weekend and puts you close to the Kootenai River, restaurants, lodging, and other activities.
You could also stay in Troy, MT, which is about 6 miles (10 minutes) west of Kootenai Falls. Troy is smaller and quieter, with more cabins and vacation rentals, making it a great spot if you’re looking to stay a little more off-grid.
What is the best time of year to visit Kootenai Falls?
Spring (May-June) is when the falls and river will be at their peak fullness from the snowmelt. But this season in Montana is also a little iffy when it comes to weather, so that’s a trade-off if you’re worried about rain! For the best weather and hiking conditions, June through September is usually a good bet (though keep in mind that late summer does often bring wildfire smoke).
How long do we need for a photoshoot at Kootenai Falls?
I recommend at least one hour for your session. Using Kim and Mark as an example, we hiked to the falls first, then photographed for about 20-30 minutes before hiking back to the swinging bridge, where we spent another 20-30 minutes. I’d suggest booking a longer timeslot to be able to enjoy the experience, too. Keep in mind you’ll want to hit both the falls and the Swinging Bridge, stopping along the way to soak in the views and take photos.
Is the Kootenai Falls trail dog-friendly?
Technically, yes. Dogs are allowed on the trail. But as a dog mom, I do recommend bringing dog booties or being prepared to carry them for a bit. You’ll cross grated metal stairs around the railroad overpass, and their toe pads can get caught in the grating. Just a heads up!
What time of day is best for a photoshoot at the falls?
As with most popular destinations in Montana, I’d opt for early morning or late afternoon/evening! This brings the better, softer light for photos and helps you avoid the tourist crowds.
Is Kootenai Falls Wheelchair-Friendly or Accessible?
No, not for the full trail to the falls and Swinging Bridge. The trail begins paved, but eventually gets rocky and uneven. There are also stairs around the railroad overpass, so I would not recommend this particular location for someone who uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility.
If accessibility is important for your photos, there are plenty of beautiful locations around Northwest Montana with much easier access. I’m always happy to help you find one that works for your needs.
More Anniversary Photoshoot & Trip Ideas Around Montana
In case you didn’t know, I’m actually located in Kalispell, MT – about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Kootenai Falls! I spend lots of my time photographing couples around Northwest Montana, but loveeeee getting to travel around for a change of scenery (like this session with Kim and Mark). I do charge travel fees to accommodate shoots farther from home, but am always open to new locations!
Kootenai Falls is exactly the kind of place I love for an anniversary session – beautiful, memorable, quite chill compared to many popular spots. But lucky for us, Montana is full of places to explore!
If you’re still deciding on the best place for your anniversary trip in Northwest Montana, here are a few more ideas that come with some pretty incredible photos, too:
Glacier National Park
This one might be a bit obvious, but it had to make the list. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the park together, an anniversary is a pretty darn good excuse to finally make it happen. Plus, it’s only ~2 hours driving from Kootenai Falls, so if you’re staying for a week or so, you could hit up both!
I’ve photographed Going-to-the-Sun Road anniversary sessions with pizza and plenty of scenic pit stops and chill golden hour photos by Lake McDonald, and let me tell ya, you can’t go wrong!
Flathead Lake
Just about 2 hours from Kootenai Falls, Flathead Lake is a local favorite! Rent a cabin by the water, explore Bigfork, go boating or paddleboarding, and don’t forget a sunset shoot along the shoreline!
This is also a great place for the whole crew! If your anniversary trip includes kids or grandkids, we can make your photos an anniversary photoshoot / family session hybrid! Plenty of the two of you and everyone you’ve added to the family along the way.
Here’s some inspo for you → Flathead Lake photoshoot
Montana State Parks
Around Northwest Montana, state parks like Wayfarers, Somers Beach, Big Arm, and Finley Point give you everything from rocky shorelines to forests, beaches, camping, and sunset views. And you can find a great option no matter the season (a big perk as many places in Montana aren’t open in winter months).
There are options all over the state, often near cute little towns with plenty of cozy vacation rentals and lodging options. Plus, they are less crowded than places like Glacier, making them a laid-back option for an anniversary photoshoot!
For winter anniversary ideas → Winter Couples Session at Lone Pine State Park
What I Love About Anniversary Photoshoots as a Montana Photographer
Like Mark’s words of wisdom, I do think a secret to a long marriage is to always love them as they change. And I’m sure there has been plenty that has changed since your wedding day!
You know that life moves fast, and somehow years go by while we’re busy living them. We spend our lives focused on careers, moves, holidays, maybe having kids (and grandkids), and a million ordinary days in between.
But the photos become little markers of all those chapters. The first day at a new job, kids ripping into presents on their birthdays, our wedding photos. When we pull them out, we get to relive the memories and reminisce about how things were, but also who we were back then. I think this chapter of your life deserves that, too.
When Kim and Mark told me this was their first shoot since their wedding day, I couldn’t wait for them to have these photos together. To celebrate who they are now, knowing one day they’ll look back and say, “Remember when we went to Montana for our anniversary?!”
It’s so cool. And so special. It makes me want to send as many anniversary photos as I can.
So if you’re looking for a photographer for your Montana anniversary trip, count me in.
Keep scrolling for more Anniversary Photos at Kootenai Falls, MT with Kim and Mark!
